Topic Contents:

Antihistamines Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Oral
antihistamines are available without a prescription. Common types such as diphenhydramine (for example, Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (for example, Chlor-Trimeton), and loratadine (for example, Claritin) are used to treat
allergy symptoms and itching.

Look for generic or store brands,
which often cost less than name brands. For example, diphenhydramine is the
generic name for the brand name Benadryl.

Antihistamines that are
taken by mouth (oral) work better than those that are applied directly to the
skin (topical) because a pill or capsule contains a specific dose of medicine.
The dose in a cream or ointment depends on how much is applied at one time and
is harder to control. Too much antihistamine absorbed through the skin can be
toxic, especially to children. Don't give any antihistamines to your child
unless you've checked with the doctor first. The use of cream or ointment
antihistamines is not reliable and not recommended.

Do
not take oral antihistamines when you are driving, operating machinery, or need
to be alert because they can make you sleepy.

Use caution if you
have other health problems, such as glaucoma, epilepsy, or an enlarged
prostate. Antihistamines can cause your other health problem to get worse and
also may interact with other medicines, such as antidepressants, sedatives, and
tranquilizers. Read the package carefully, and ask your
pharmacist or doctor to help you choose
an antihistamine that will not cause problems.

Antihistamines are often combined with a decongestant in one product. These medicines may not be safe for young children or for people who have certain health problems. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Side effects

In children:

Antihistamines may make young children
sleepy or may stimulate the nervous system, causing hyperactivity. Don't give
antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.

In rare cases, diphenhydramine (especially forms of it that are
applied to the skin) can cause severe side effects in children, such as
hallucinations,
tremors, and coma.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions

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